08/10/2023
Last weekend we had a Marchita, actually the finals of a mini-championship; our team ran for the first time, so I want to give you the impressions: we went with Buena Sorte (Henrique) and Iguana (me). Marchita is a 140km, 3-day ride for registered Criollo horses. Buena is already known from the Marcha, but Iguana was doing her debut in longer rides (she ran only two 30km to the day, and off the podium). Unfortunately, Buena went lame in the second day, due to a hoof abscess, and we took her off. As for Iguana, the plan was just get her used to the ride atmosphere, because she is a bit anxious at home. She surprised us in every sense! from the moment the start was given, she took every stride with a professional confidence, never spooking on the way! Her goal was the finish line and she made that clear. We finished with awesome vet-checks, and I guess she could have won. But the fact that we were not familiar with the race, made us use the same Marcha tactics of arriving with more than 5 minutes ahead at the finish in the controlled speed loops (the two first days). Then, the last day you have two free speed loops: one 40km, then vet check and rest, then the last 20km. Iguana did superb in the first 40 free, but in the last 20km she tired a bit. Still we finished, and that was the purpose! Plus, Marchita is everything that the Marcha is, only concentrated: speed, distance, the barbecue, the parties, you have it all! The only defect I can find in the new discipine is that...it is too short!
